April 24, 2007
Project Status
Neighborhoods surrounding the I-5 Ship Canal Bridge experience high levels of noise from I-5 traffic. The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is committed to working with neighborhoods to develop the most appropriate solutions. These neighborhoods include Eastlake, North Capitol Hill, Roanoke Park, University District and Wallingford.
WSDOT received $5 million in funding from the 2005 Transportation Partnership Package to study and test options to reduce noise in the area surrounding the I-5 Ship Canal Bridge. The goal of this project is to noticeably reduce noise for residents, pedestrians and people enjoying outdoor recreation in this area.
In the past year, we have evaluated various elements to help identify the best solutions for reducing noise in the surrounding neighborhoods. We developed an implementation plan that includes three phases:
Phase 1: Installing noise-absorbing ceiling panels above the I-5 express lanes
Phase 2: Building street-level noise walls near the bridge
Phase 3: Rehabilitating the pavement to make it smoother and quieter
WSDOT plans to use the allocated funding to implement Phase 1 of this plan. Other phases could be implemented as funding becomes available to continue to reduce noise for neighborhoods near the I-5 Ship Canal Bridge.
The project team will begin public outreach efforts in the upcoming months to share more information about this plan, the anticipated schedule for Phase 1, and how these elements could benefit your neighborhood. We plan to keep you informed through e-mail updates, project flyers, community group briefings, and a public open house.